Irish Car Rentals Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our Ireland Car
Rental and Irish Information page. We have included here
links to our Driving in Ireland pages which will provide
all of the information you need to drive in Ireland. Below
we have itemised some useful information when renting your
car with us and also lower down the page links to
information you may require. We are fully aware of the
importance of your car rental to you. If you are traveling
on business or for pleasure we want to ensure that you
receive the very best service and vehicle possible. Please
browse through the following Frequently asked questions if
you are looking for further detail on your impending car
rental. We look forward to assisting you.

Are my booking details secure on
this website?
Yes. We have a fully secure site. Irish Car Rentals use a
128 bit Thawte SSL Web Server to offer secure
communications by encrypting all data exchanged to and from
the booking form on the website. Because of this you can
pass your credit card and personal details through our
booking system with confidence. We have strict guidelines
as to our client’s privacy and we will not pass on your
details to any other party for any reason.

Basic Information- what happens
when I submit a reservation?
When you click on the "submit" button you will receive your
booking number beginning with "ICR" followed by a 6 digit
number e.g. ICR125631. You will automatically receive an
e-mail to the address you have supplied outlining your
booking details. When you create a booking a secure
confirmation is sent to the Irish Car Rentals reservation
desk in Limerick, Ireland. The rental is then added to the
system and the car is made available for hire. A booking
deposit is charged to your credit card at this stage.
Please ensure that you complete the Booking Form in Full,
(paying particular attention when noting your Credit Card
Details and E-mail address), and that you have ensured that
you are aware of the costs involved. When you arrive at the
rental desk at the airport you will sign a rental
agreement, pay any local charges or additional costs, be
taken to your vehicle and then be given any instruction on
the vehicle as may be required. Once you have started to
drive the car you are liable for any accidents, damage or
other costs incurred until the vehicle is safely returned
to the airport compound.

What kind of car can I expect?
We operate the most modern fleet of cars in Ireland and 95%
of our vehicles will be under 6 months old. When you ask
for a quotation you will see that there are often 2 or more
models or makes offered within the "Car Group". Irish Car
Rentals cannot guarantee a particular make or model of car
but we will guarantee a car within the "Car Group" will be
available for collection as required. Specific requests for
Cars with CD Players, airbags etc: and or other features
cannot be guaranteed as being available but we will make
every attempt to supply if you request them in the
"additional comments" filed of the booking form. It is
recommended that travellers with additional luggage such as
Golf Clubs or Fishing equipment rent a vehicle one grade
above the normal requirements shown on the quote form. If a
renter has a specific requirement for options please state
them in the comments box of the rental booking form. Irish
Car Rentals will try to comply with any reasonable request
but cannot guarantee availability of a specific model.

What Driver Information & drivers
license requirements apply?
All drivers must be in possession of a full-unendorsed
driver's license at the time of rental. (Certain minor
endorsements may be acceptable, please call us prior to
booking). All drivers must have held a full driver's
license for at least 12 months prior to hiring a car with
Irish Car Rentals and must present themselves with their
full-unendorsed driver's license at the pick up location at
the time of rental. Holders of US, Canadian, Australian and
All EU member states are NOT required to supply an
International Driving License (IDL). An International
Driving License (IDL) is required if your national driver's
license is not in Roman script. International driver's
licenses MUST BE accompanied by the original domestic
license of the driver. (This is clearly stated on the
international license).

Age
Requirements - Restrictions.

The minimum age to rent a
vehicle is 25 years and drivers must have held a full
driver's licence for at least 12 months prior to hiring a
car.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Explained
Collision Damage Insurance covers damage to the rental car
and limits the liability for damages to a vehicle whilst on
hire. In case of an accident resulting in damage to a
rental vehicle the Customer is liable for a payment for
damage to the rental car. This liability can be reduced to
EUR 100 at an additional charge of EUR 9.50 per day. The
excess on luxury cars, minivans and minibuses ican be
reduced to EUR 100 for an additional charge of EUR 15 per
day. These charges are collected at the point of collection
by the reservations agent. Irish Car Rentals include CDW
insurance in the quoted rate unless you indicate on the
booking page that you do not wish to have this included.

Theft Protection Explained
This insurance option limits your financial liability for
loss or theft of the Irish Car Rentals vehicle, its parts
and accessories, provided the vehicle is used in accordance
with the terms and conditions of the rental agreement. If
Theft is not included in the rate you have chosen it is
available locally at EURO 7.50 per day.

MasterCard CDW waiver (For US
Residents holding a MasterCard Gold or Platinum)
Master Rental Insurance may allow you to avoid the
additional cost of the theft and collision damage waiver (CDW)
for rental cars in some countries. This coverage is ONLY
available with Gold or Platinum MasterCard's issued by US
banks. If you pay for the entire rental with your eligible
MasterCard card, you may be covered for up to $50,000
without excess. This is an insurance program; certain
restrictions and exclusions apply. In order to establish if
your MasterCard includes Auto Rental Insurance in the
Republic of Ireland please call your credit card issuer
and/or MasterCard at 1 800 6227747. This coverage is a
service provided by MasterCard to the cardholder and
therefore it is the cardholders responsibility to ensure
that they are adequately covered for the entire duration of
the rental period.

Can I hire a baby seat?
Yes. Please indicate in the "additional comments" field on
the booking for that you require a baby seat. Please advise
us your child’s weight. Child / Baby Seats are Mandatory in
Ireland. Child Seats and Baby seats are available by prior
notification at an additional cost of EURO 49 per rental.
Baby seats are NOT available for rental for children under
6 months old. NEW EU CHILD SAFETY PROTECTION LAWS HAVE COME
INTO FORCE making it compulsory for all children to travel
in the correct child seat, booster seat or booster cushion.
Notes: Where safety belts have been fitted they must be
worn. Children under 3 years of age must not travel in a
car or goods vehicle unless restrained in the correct child
seat. Children aged 3 years or over who are under 150cms in
height and weighing less than 36 kilograms (i.e. generally
children up to 11/12 years old) must use the correct child
seat, booster seat or booster cushion when travelling in
cars or goods vehicles. Children over 3 years of age must
travel in a rear seat in vehicles not fitted with safety
belts. Rearward-facing child car seats must NEVER be used
in the front passenger seat of cars with an active airbag.
Drivers have a legal responsibility to ensure passengers
aged under 17 use the correct seat, booster seat, booster
cushion or seatbelt.

Can I drive my car into Northern
Ireland?
Yes. If you wish to drive in Northern Ireland it is a
requirement of rental that they inform Irish Car Rentals
that you wish to do so on collection of the vehicle.
(Usually at the airport desk) An additional charge of EURO
25 applies. This is to extend the AA 24 hour roadside
assistance to cover Northern Ireland and is compulsory. The
renter is free then to drive throughout Northern Ireland.
Cars can not be taken off the island of Ireland.

What is the Fuel Policy of Irish
Car Rentals?Fuel Policy: For your convenience we are pleased to
offer you the convenience of the Prepaid Fuel Option. You
may now purchase your initial tank of fuel from Irish Car
Rentals at the time of rental at a price that is very
competitive with local fuel stations. This method
eliminates the need for you to refill the tank before
returning your rental vehicle. Please be aware that we are
unable to give a refund for unused fuel.

How do I change or cancel my
reservation?
If you wish to change or cancel your reservation please
send an e-mail to Irish Car Rentals at the following email
address: info@irishcarrentals.com
please mark on the subject line if you wish to "amend" or
"cancel" the reservation. Please always note your
reservation number on the e-mail.

Can I travel out from one location
and return the vehicle to another?
Yes. Charges may apply for some locations. You can see what
charges may apply if you calculate your rate on the booking
engine.

Where do I go when I
arrive at my destination?DUBLIN AIRPORT: Car Hire
Section, Arrivals Hall, Dublin Airport. TDirections to our
Dublin Airport desk: Turn right when you come out of
baggage reclaim, you will see the Car Rental desks directly
in front of you, we are the last desk in the row. DUBLIN
CITY: 7 Terenure Road East, Rathgar, Dublin 6 (In
between AIB Bank and Pharmacy in Rathgar village)
SHANNON AIRPORT : Arrivals Hall, Shannon Airport.
CORK AIRPORT: Arrivals Hall, Cork
Airport. . KERRY AIRPORT:Arrivals Hall,
Kerry Airport. KNOCK AIRPORT: Arrivals
Hall, Knock Airport LIMERICK CITY: Desk
located within Ennis Road Motors Showroom, Ennis Road,
Limerick. We deliver cars to many other locations
including: Killarney town, Galway City and Airport, and
Cork City. If you require a delivery to any one of these
locations please contact our reservations team for details
of delivery charges and meeting points.

What happens if my flight is
cancelled?
If you flight is cancelled please contact us via e-mail or
to one of our Toll Free numbers. UK and Europe: 00800 4747
4227, United States 1 877 347 3227. Our international
number is + 353 61 206088. We will make every effort to
keep you car until you arrive.

Will my personal Auto Policy cover
me in Ireland?
We can not accept the insurance coverage of a hirer if
his/her policy is not a fully comprehensive Irish policy.
Insurance coverage from overseas companies or insurers is
not accepted due to past problems experienced. This is
normal policy for Irish Car rental companies.

Will My Credit Card Cover Me for
CDW and Theft insurance’s?
The only credit card insurance that covers for Auto rental
insurance in the Republic of Ireland is MasterCard Gold or
Platinum (issued in the United States). Please contact
MasterCard direct to have this confirmed to you. Toll Free
1 800 622 7747

Do I Need Proof of MasterCard
Insurance?
It is always best to receive written confirmation from
MasterCard that you are covered. Please pay particular
attention to the fine print in relation to the rental
duration permitted.

What if I get a traffic violation
while in possession of a rental vehicle?
If you get a traffic violation while in possession of a
Irish Car Rentals vehicle please advise our staff on
return.

What happens if the car breaks
down?
In the very unlikely event of a breakdown with Irish Car
Rentals help is never far away. You are covered by 24hour
AA Roadside assistance insurance. Details of this service
will be provided in the rental agreement wallet you receive
on arrival

When do I have to include my
credit card number?
We need your credit card number when you are booking the
car. Please note the Irish Car Rentals site is secure.
Your personal details will not be shared with third Parties
at any stage.

Can I take the seats out of a
minivan?
Unfortunately this is not possible. By law the seats have
to stay in the van. However Cargo vans are available on
request. Please contact the reservations team.

Who do I contact if I have any
questions after I have rented the car?
Full contact details are on your rental documentation. You
can e-mail us
here Please submit your
booking or rental agreement number also.

What happens if I don’t like my
car?
In the unlikely event that you are not completely satisfied
with your rental car please call the nearest office to you.
The telephone numbers will be supplied to you on arrival

How old are the vehicles in your
fleet?
On average vehicles are less that six months old. Every
effort is made to have the best vehicle available.

What do I do if I lock
my keys in the car, get a flat tire or break down?Every Car is covered by a 24-Hour AA Roadside
assistance policy. The Free phone details in Ireland are
available with your rental agreement when you pick the car
up. Irish Car Rentals has a specific Policy with the AA in
Ireland (The AA in Ireland is similar to "AAA" in the
U.S.). Please be advised that callout charges may apply in
the event that the callout does not arise from a mechanical
fault with the Irish Car Rentals vehicle.

What do I do in the event of an
accident?In the event of a traffic accident please notify Irish
Car Rentals as soon as possible Contact the Irish Police (Gardai)
on 999 and ensure that the police (Gardai) are called, so
that they can report the accident. Do not admit liability
at any stage.

Should I Hire a Manual or
Automatic?
If you drive a stick shift at home and are well used to it,
you should have no trouble in Ireland, except that the gear
stick is on your left-hand side. With the small country
roads and all the hills in Ireland it is sometimes better
to have automatic.

Is the local tax (VAT) included in
my rental rates ?
Yes. The rate is at 13.5%. This can not be claimed back by
non-US Nationals as car rental is a service not a product.
VAT is applicable on all extras purchased. All additional
services and insurances are subject to VAT @13.5%

Can I extend my rental dates?
Yes. You can call the nearest car rental location to
extend your rental. Our phone number will be on the rental
agreement.

Can I tow with a rental car?
Unfortunately this is not permitted. Towing is a violation
of the rental agreement and is not permitted under any
circumstances

Can I rent a car with a roof rack
or bike rack?
Unfortunately roof racks and bicycle racks are not
available for hire and may not be attached to the rental
car.